Warning – the following footage is gruesome and may upset some viewers.

Ex-UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva was taken directly to a Las Vegas hospital for immediate surgery after breaking his leg in a rematch with current titleholder Chris Weidman, UFC President Dana White announced following UFC 168.

The gruesome injury occurred when opponent Chris Weidman checked a low kick, and Silva’s shin scored directly to the knee, snapping the limb in two.

At 38 years old, Silva (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) is considered the greatest champion in UFC history and perhaps the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. His 16 straight wins in the octagon and 10 consecutive successful title defenses are both promotional records.

However, the Brazilian striker now likely faces a long recovery following what appeared to be a significant injury, and a return to action is questionable, at best.